Don Harley of the B.P.S.C. and Brooklyn was taken to Beth Israel Hospital (formerly Kings Highway Hospital) in Brooklyn over the weekend. A massive stroke has left him without speech as of this writing. Prayers, prayers, please for Don, who was a New York City Marshall many years before retirement. We wish him a speedy recovery.

Deep condolences to Janet of Janet's Nail and Hail Salon on the death of her husband, Anatoli Shiron, who suffered for many months struggling to overcome cancer of the pancreas. Anatoli leaves his devoted wife, Janet, and one son, Michael. My prayers are with you, Janet. May God give you strength; you need to overcome this headache. Only time will lessen your feelings of loss.

Always love to go to Janet's on Saturday for my TC (trim and cut) from Gary and nails from Janet. Someone is always celebrating a birthday. Francine Schachter, who runs a small boutique at Janet's, celebrated her birthday this past Saturday with her husband, Harold, and children, Barbara and Kenny Zakin, and their children, Carla, 13, and Peter, 9, at a fine restaurant for dinner. However, she blew out her birthday candles on her cake at Janet's.

Robby Franz, well known golf pro from East Rockaway and Florida, died this past week in Florida where he was laid to rest. Condolence cards may be sent to 98-21 N.W. 66 street, Tamarac, Florida, 33321.

Ellen (Wonder Woman) was looking well with her husband, Lenny, at Kennedy's, as did Cathy McCormack, who mentioned Carolyn Sizemore, who make many trips on Egypt Air, is safe and sound.

All the beef lovers "steer" for Kennedy's on Thursday night for their steak and ale special…the Shell $19.95 and Porter House $24.95 with one free (my favorite four letter word) pint of Base Ale. Reservations requested.

At Harbor Light, a bridal shower was held in their upstairs catering room on Sunday for Dawn Leib, who will marry James Antauro on January 16. They plan a honeymoon to a tropical island in the Caribbean. (If they call me I will be happy to set it up for them).

Museum of Modern Art is featuring Body Art: Marks of Identity from November 20 to May 29.

On Monday, November 29 and Tuesday, November 30 "Gypsy of the Year" competition will be held at Broadway Marquis Theatre…all proceeds will benefit Broadway Cares Equity Fights AIDS.

Sponsored by Continental Airlines and Target stores. Tickets $20 to $75 go on sale on Monday, November 22.

Holiday windows illuminate Fifth avenue at Tiffany's with a winter in an Imperial Garden beginning November 22 at 10 a.m.

La Cucina Italiana magazine held a special evening at Barolo Restaurant on West Broadway, Manhattan, this past Tuesday to celebrate the wireless inventor, Guglielmo Marconi, with a tasting feast served in his honor 100 years ago. The highlight of the evening was when honored guest Walter Cronkite, CBS special correspondent, actually turned out the lights in the Chrysler building for one minute with a remote handed to him by Paolo Villoresi, editor-in-chief of La Cucina. Morely Safer (of 60 Minutes) and Sanford Socolow were also special guests for the evening. Needless to say, the ten course dinner, prepared by Chefs Peter Glaziano and Mario Carnia, which started out with an appetizer, was outstanding…Uncle Sam's Oysters, drunken shrimp, fresh spinach tagliolini in chicken broth, lightly breaded fish, roasted quail, fruit, cheese, trifle, etc. All courses served with its own special selection of wine. A gourmet evening throughout, among very charming guests.

Fat and fit facts…confidence in managing weight through diet and exercise is declining though most Americans continue to gain weight. Forty-six percent of Americans agree it is possible to be overweight and healthy according to Health Focus reports. It is certainly far better to feel comfortable with your weight rather than constantly trying yo-yo diets that can ruin your health entirely.

TRAVEL:

Delta Airlines "Deal of the Millennium"…book a seven day inclusive package to St. Maarten, Europe, Hawaii or Aruba--a free roundtrip domestic air ticket.

Air Jamaica offering a winter sale for December 25 to February 17--three night all inclusive package to Jamaica for $579. Must be booked by November 24.

Great holiday rates at Marriott International ranging from $44 to $85 per room per night.

Y2K disruptions…State Department warns against three European countries…Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine, Russia. Travelers living abroad will not be provided with food, water, shelter, fuel or medicine should something go wrong. If traveling over New Year's Eve, you may get back. All domestic flights safe.

Nanny survival kit is provided at the Ritz Carlton San Francisco complimentary.

Gray Line Alaska 10 days/nine nights $1,165. Book between November 15 and 21 and receive up to $50 discount, $299 air to Alaska on Nieuw Amsterdam departures. Offer expires December 15…June 1 cruise- tour $1,799.